Guide
Health Insurance and Cancer Cover Explained
Many of us worry about getting cancer. And a diagnosis can be life changing. However, with comprehensive cancer care and the right support, we can navigate this challenging journey.
In this guide we look at what cancer is and how we can reduce our risk of getting cancer. We talk about how important cancer screening is and what to do if you have symptoms. We outline the range of treatments available and explain how having private health insurance can support your cancer care.
Understanding cancer
Most of us know someone affected by cancer, or we may have experienced it ourselves. This is not surprising, as according to Cancer Research UK, one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives1.
Cancer is primarily a disease of older age, with more than 60 percent of all cases diagnosed in people over 651.
There are over 200 types of cancer, with the four most common being breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancer2. While not all cancers can be prevented, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing cancer through healthy lifestyle choices. And the good news is that in the UK, cancer survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years3.
Cancer prevention
Each year, around 393,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK4. We may not always know what causes the cancer, but we do know that some health and lifestyle choices contribute to the risk of getting cancer. Such as smoking and drinking excess alcohol.
So, if we want to reduce our risk of getting cancer, we should look at developing healthy habits. Cancer Research UK state that around 4 in 10 cancers can be prevented through healthy living5. This means by making changes to your lifestyle now, you can make a positive difference to your health in the future.
Let’s take a look at the two main ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer in the future.
Create healthy habits
Smoking is the largest cause of cancer in the UK6. Stopping smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of getting not only lung cancer, but other types of cancer as well. And it works. Smoking rates in the UK have fallen recently and so have smoking related cancers.
Being mindful about what you eat and drink can make a big difference. Consider cutting down on alcohol and sugary, fatty, or processed foods. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and fibre can support your gut health.
Protecting your skin from sunburn by covering up when it's sunny and wearing sunscreen can reduce risk of skin cancer. Also, find shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Incorporating some physical activity into your daily routine can also be beneficial. Whether it's a walk outside or using a static bike, just 30 minutes a day can improve your overall cardio health.
Read more: What's increasing your risk of cancer?
Understand your body
Cancer care comes in many shapes and forms. One way to help prevent cancer is to get to know your body. Check over your skin for any changes that could be a sign of cancer. Such as a misshaped mole or puckering around your nipple.
Make a habit of regularly checking your breasts or testicles for lumps. Detecting cancerous tumours when they are still small and haven’t spread sometimes means the cancer can be treated easier.
Diagnosing cancer
It’s always a worry when you feel something’s wrong. But if you’re concerned, get seen sooner rather than later. Even if it is cancer, it’s best to get diagnosed as soon as you can. So, you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Speak to a GP
The first step is to speak to a GP. They’ll ask about your symptoms and might examine you in person. They may also send you for tests or refer you to a specialist.
Try to be prepared when you speak to your GP. Make a note of your symptoms and when they started. Take along a list of medication and supplements you’re taking. Ask questions about what happens next. It’s unlikely your GP will be able to diagnose you then and there, but they will be able to offer guidance about the tests they send you for.
Early detection: What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening is a way to identify those people who may be at risk of developing a certain type of cancer. The aim is to catch any issues before they become serious. This way the patient has a better chance of a successful outcome.
Cancer screening tests on the NHS are offered to sections of the population who are more at risk and most likely to benefit. The main cancer screening tests provided by the NHS include:
- Cervical screening: Offered to women every three years from the ages of 25 to 49. And every five years from 50 to 64. The test checks the cells in the cervix.
- Breast cancer screening: Checks for early signs of breast cancer. Available on the NHS for women aged 50 to 70. If you’re over 70 you can ask or be asked to be screened.
- Bowel cancer screening: Offered to everyone aged 50 to 74. You’ll be sent a home testing kit every two years.
- Prostate cancer screening: There’s no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK.
If you're concerned, speak to a GP. If something is detected during a physical examination, you may need to go for a scan or biopsy. The GP may also send you for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
Many research shows that early diagnosis of cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes. Cancer Research UK say that if prostate cancer is detected and treated at stage 1 and 2, almost 100% of men will go on to survive five years or more7. Breast cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years in the UK8. In part because of the breast screening programme that picks up cancers when they’re still treatable.
You can also get cancer screening tests and others that aren’t available on the NHS by paying privately. These private assessments can be done at any age and alongside the NHS’s recommended cancer screening tests.
Find out more about having regular health assessments in our guides to women’s health and men’s health.
At Vitality, we offer an early risk assessment for five common cancers:
- Bowel cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
Risk assessments will provide you with a personalised view of your risk for each cancer. If you're within the correct age range, you'll be offered a discounted screening with Check4Cancer, a trusted provider of early cancer detection and genetic services. This service is for anyone who wants to understand their own personal risk of developing cancer in the future, and for checking of more immediate risk indicators.
And if cancer is detected, you’ll be covered for a wide range of treatment options and ongoing cancer support.
Cancer treatments
There are a wide range of treatments for cancer. And it’s common for your specialist to suggest that one or more treatments are combined. So, for example, you may need surgery to remove a tumour and have radiotherapy as a follow up treatment. These are some of the most common types of treatment.
- Radiotherapy – high energy x-rays that destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – medicine that kills or stops the growth of cancer cells.
- Biological therapies – boost or suppress your immune system to treat the cancer.
- Hormone therapies – block or reduce the amount of hormone in your body to suppress the cancer.
- Stem cell therapy – destroys unhealthy blood cells and replaces them with healthy stem cells.
- Cancer surgery – physical removal of a cancer during an operation. You may also need surgery to reconstruct your body following cancer treatment.
Does health insurance cover cancer?
Most health insurance plans cover cancer. It might be included as part of your core cover, like at Vitality. Or it may be an add on which means it can be added to your cover at an additional cost.
Different providers will offer different levels of cancer care. Generally, policies will include diagnostic tests and private consultations. They may also cover surgery and a range of cancer treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. And even some treatments that are not available on the NHS yet. Your in-patient costs will usually be covered as will ongoing cancer support after treatment.
With Vitality, you’re covered all the way through. From early detection, through your treatment and on to recovery support. Our specialist team of oncologists will also help you understand any medical advice you’re given. And help you access the latest drugs. This includes being treated at home, as long as your consultant agrees.
Learn more about Vitality Cancer Cover
Can you get health insurance if you have cancer?
It’s possible to get health insurance if you currently have cancer. But if your cancer is a pre-existing condition and will not be covered. It’s probable that you’ll pay higher premiums, and some insurers may refuse to cover you.
Can you get health insurance if you’ve had cancer?
If you had cancer you may get health insurance but you might have fewer options. You may have to pay a higher premium too. Some insurers might ask for evidence from a doctor that you have fully recovered and be symptom-free for a set period. It also depends on the type of cancer you had and what treatment you received. Plus, you might not be able to make a new claim for cancer treatment in the first few years of your cover starting.
What questions could insurers ask when applying?
If you had cancer and you’re applying for health insurance, the provider will need to understand your current and past health. This is to gauge how much coverage you need. And to provide you with an accurate and fair quote. Things they’ll want to know include:
- Scans and test results
- Activity levels
- If you smoke or drink
- Any medication you take
- Family medical history
- What type of cancer you had
Support during cancer treatment
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be life changing for many people. And it can have a huge impact on your mental health.
With Vitality health plan, your Vitality Care Consultant is there to support you through your treatment. They’ll listen to your needs and guide you through your options.
Although they can help you understand what the next steps are, they can’t always explain how to deal with them. That’s when speaking to a mental health professional can help. As part of Vitality's core cover, you will have access to up to eight Talking Therapy sessions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling.
You can also add our mental health cover option for enhanced mental health cover. These sessions can help you come to terms with your diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Post cancer support
Taking time to properly recover from your cancer treatment is important. You may want to re-evaluate how you live, feel like escaping for a bit or be keen to get back to the new normal.
As part of your recovery support with Vitality, you can book a complimentary one night stay at Champneys Tring. You’ll get the chance to learn about nutrition, physiotherapy and mental health as well as simply relax.
Learn more: A Guide to Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Understand your health better with Vitality
At Vitality, we want to help you make smart choices about your health and show you how good habits can make a difference. That’s why one adult member can book one Vitality Healthcheck, at no cost, every plan year. Any further Healthchecks booked by you, or any other members of your plan, will cost £15.
You can have your health check done either in person or online, and it’s included in your health plan.
We’ve also partnered with Bluecrest, the biggest health assessment network in the UK, to give our members extra peace of mind. Bluecrest health assessment includes over 50 tests including heart health, stroke and blood clot risks. It also includes bowel cancer screening and cervical cancer risk test (HPV test).
If you meet our criteria, eligible members can get 100% discount on Advanced Bluecrest health check. Other members can receive a 50% discount on any of the three Bluecrest health checks.
Find out more about health checks and assessments at Vitality.Why choose Vitality health insurance?
Want to know more about private health insurance or thinking about taking out a policy? Here are some of the benefits of taking out health insurance with Vitality:
- Get video GP appointment quickly
- Avoid lengthy hospital waiting lists
- Get specialist drugs and treatments
- See a consultant fast
- Refer yourself for physiotherapy
- Get mental health support fast and without a GP referral
- Get menopause support
- Get discounts from top brands. And rewards for getting healthy.
Source:
1 Cancer Research UK, 1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer
3 Cancer Research UK, Cancer Statistics for the UK
4 MacMillan Cancer Support, Cancer statistics in the UK
5 Cancer Research UK, New calculations confirm lifestyle changes could prevent 4 in 10 cancer cases
6 Cancer Research UK, Tobacco statistics
7 Cancer Research UK, Survival for prostate cancer
8 Cancer Research UK, Breast cancer statisticsHealth insurance and cancer FAQs
Can you get health insurance after being diagnosed with cancer?
It’s possible to get health insurance if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. But your cancer is a pre-existing condition and may not be covered. It’s probable that you’ll pay higher premiums, and some insurers may not cover you.
Is cancer in remission a pre-existing condition?
Yes, if you’ve previously had cancer then your insurer will usually consider it a pre-existing condition. As such, you won’t be covered for this cancer if it returns.
What insurance covers cancer?
Most private health insurance policies will provide cover for cancer. Check the policy terms and conditions for exactly what’s covered. Some providers offer cancer cover as a ‘bolt on’. This means it can be added to your cover but will increase your premium.
How to get a cancer screening
Some cancer screening is available on the NHS. Such as cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening and bowel cancer screening. So, you’ll be invited to take part when you’re eligible for the test.
If you want to get screened outside of the NHS, you can speak to a private GP for advice. Your private health insurance may be able to pay for the tests if this is part of your policy.
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